Mean pulmonary venous pressure (= LAP = [[2023-NOV-GM#Pulmonary capillary wedge position and pressure| Wedge Pressure]]) = 5mmHg.

Pulmonary capillary wedge position and pressure (PCWP)

#2023GM-NOV/Q02

Basic Science

Source

• Pressure transduced catheter is introduced into the femoral or jugular vein.
• Then advanced through SVC/ IVC -> right atrium -> Right ventricle -> Pulmonary artery -> Left or right branch PA.
• Position can be confirmed by the pressure tracing in each position.
• Inflation of the balloon blocks off the branch PA -> after a few seconds, pressure distal to the balloon approximates left atrial pressure.

Clinical use

• Diagnosis of severity of left ventricular failure
• quantify degree of mitral valve stenosis
• AS, AR, MR also ⬆ LA Pressure
• Measurement of cardiac output by thermodilution.
• Calculation of pulmonary vascular resistance (based on measurement of pulmonary blood flow, pulmonary artery pressure and PCWP)
• Values: Pulmonary oedema likely above PCWP > 20mmHg.